PAJHRA means ‘life spring’ in Sadri, one of the native languages of the Adivasi (indigenous) people in Assam. The letters also stand for Promotion and Advancement of Justice, Harmony and Rights of Adivasis. PAJHRA is an initiative to advance the human and labour rights, wellbeing, and social integration of Adivasis from all walks of life in Assam.

Adivasis, within indigenous groups, are a community who were forcefully brought by the British in the 18th century from central India to work in the tea plantations of Assam. Most of the major Adivasi tribes in Assam – including the Oraon, Munda, Kharia, Santhal, Gorh, Ho, Saora, and Bhil – continue to live inside tea plantation enclaves or villages. Due to their minority ethnic status and isolation on tea plantations, Adivasis experience serious marginalization in Assam. PAJHRA’s goal is to help enable Adivasis promote their own rights and wellbeing.